We’re Clever Girls

The Unprofessional Critic

Lauren Whalen is a freelance writer living in Chicago. She reviews plays for Chicago Theater Beat (http://www.chicagotheaterbeat.com) and talks about movies on The Film Yap (http://www.thefilmyap.com). Lauren's young adult novel is represented by Chalberg & Sussman Literary Agency. Say hi to her at maybeimamazed02(at)gmail(dot)com. (Photo by Greg Inda)

Last July, my friend J was found in a park, dead by his own hand. And I lost it. I’m still not completely sure why: though he’d been a huge influence on me, he’d also been out of my life for several years. Read More The Psychology of Letting Go

When I’m stressed (which is often) or tired (ditto), I turn to Dane’s books. I think it’s a combination of factors: a) she was one of the first romance/erotica authors I got into (after buying Coming Undone at a Barnes & Noble on my lunch break), b) her dialogue and descriptions have such a beautiful, easy rhythm, and c) her characters are such warm, awesome folks.

Confession: I don’t own a television. Before you start throwing things, I’m not self-righteous about it. (I don’t think anyone with an affinity for The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills can be. Camille forever!) I regularly have TV nights with friends (at their apartments, of course) and I think Hulu is one of the greatest inventions known to humanity. In fact, it’s how I discovered Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23.

When Chicago winter rears its ugly, black icy, snow swirly head, all I want to do is stay inside and read books. I don’t want to work. I don’t want to go out. I don’t want to get the flu, but that happened last week. But you know the great thing about the flu (after I passed out for two days, that is)? I got to stay inside and read books! Here’s what’s currently in my Lucille Bluth tote bag, and a couple others I just finished. Read More Mini-Reviews: “Who Done It?”, “Here I Go Again” and “Hooked”

My latest book fetish is edge-of-your-seat awesomeness – so I was happy as a clam to receive an ARC of Jacquelyn Mitchard’s What We Saw At Night. First, it’s a suspenseful and romantic journey with a kickass heroine, who uses a rare light sensitivity to her advantage by practicing extreme sports with her best friends – and working to solve a terrible crime. Read More Interview: Bestselling Author Jacquelyn Mitchard